This review dives into the Emporia Vue Gen 3, a whole-house energy monitoring kit. We explore its compact design, ease of installation, and the comprehensive data it provides. From initial unboxing and assessment of its build quality to the detailed installation process within the electrical panel, we cover every step. Particular attention is paid to the crucial firmware backup procedure, highlighting the necessary tools and steps to avoid complications.This comprehensive review also examines the user-friendliness of the Emporia app and the seamless integration with Home Assistant, a popular home automation platform. We assess the accuracy and timeliness of data reporting, evaluating the overall effectiveness of the system in tracking and managing energy consumption. Ultimately, we determine whether the Emporia Vue Gen 3 delivers on its promise of providing valuable insights into your home's energy usage.
Pros And Cons
- Small size
- Easy to mount
- Monitors 16 circuits
- Works with home assistants (after flashing)
- Provides live data in various timeframes (minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years)
- Automatically added to Home Assistant
- Cloud-based by default
- Requires flashing for 100% local home assistant compatibility
- Small connections for flashing firmware
- Slight delay (5-10 seconds) in live data display
- Wi-Fi antenna bracket is loose
Read more: AMI Meter Reading Guide: Understanding Your Smart Electricity Meter
Unboxing and First Impressions
The Emporia Vue Gen 3 is surprisingly compact. Its small size is a significant advantage for installation in tight spaces within an electrical panel. The unit's build quality feels solid, and the inclusion of mounting holes suggests versatile placement options beyond the electrical panel.
The kit includes 16 CT clamps for monitoring individual circuits, allowing for granular energy usage tracking. It also features USB-C for firmware updates and connections for Ethernet and Wi-Fi. The overall design is clean and functional.
Firmware Backup and Custom Firmware
Before installing custom firmware, it's crucial to back up the factory firmware. This process involves using a small, four-pin connection to a serial USB adapter. The connections are quite small, requiring careful attention to detail during the backup procedure.
The provided instructions and diagrams are helpful. The author utilized a BDM frame and probes to avoid soldering. The ESP tool software is necessary for the backup and flashing process, available for download on GitHub. Remember to check voltage settings to avoid damaging the Emporia unit.
Installation in the Electrical Panel
Installing the Emporia Vue Gen 3 requires careful work within the electrical panel. Remember to turn off the power completely before beginning. The installation involves connecting the unit's wires to the neutral bar and two consecutive breakers.
Securely attaching the CT clamps to the circuit breakers is essential for accurate monitoring. Pay close attention to the clamp orientation and ensure nothing obstructs the closure of the panel. The provided manual offers detailed guidance on the entire installation process.
App Setup and Home Assistant Integration
The Emporia app offers a user-friendly interface for setting up and monitoring energy usage. The app guides you through the process of adding the device, connecting to Wi-Fi, and configuring the solar system (if applicable).
Integration with Home Assistant is seamless. The Emporia Vue Gen 3 is automatically detected and added, providing real-time data within the Home Assistant dashboard. The data syncing between the app and Home Assistant might have a slight delay, but overall integration is smooth.
Conclusion and Overall Assessment
The Emporia Vue Gen 3 provides a comprehensive solution for whole-house energy monitoring. Its small size, ease of installation (with some electrical knowledge), and integration with Home Assistant are significant advantages. While there is a slight delay in data updates, the accuracy and detail provided are valuable.
The device is well-suited for homeowners seeking to track and manage their energy consumption. The ability to monitor individual circuits offers valuable insights for optimizing energy efficiency and identifying potential issues. The detailed app and Home Assistant integration make it easy to visualize and analyze data.